Proximate Analysis and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Fruits in Batangas

Five selected fruits in Batangas namely banana (Musa lacatan), chico (Manilkarasapota), papaya (Carica papaya L.), pomelo (Citrus grandis) and tamarind (Tamarindicusindica) were analyzed for their proximate analysis, antioxidant properties and antioxidant activity. The study aimed to make a baseline database using the information obtained which will be useful for further studies and improvement of existing products and food processes and for development of new ones. Among the five selected fruits, tamarind got the highest ash content of 12.51%, crude protein of 4.68%, crude fat of 3.39% and total carbohydrates of 46.67% but the lowest moisture content of 33.45%. Pomelo got the highest moisture content of 91.74% while chico got the highest crude fiber content of 2.64%. Papaya had the lowest total carbohydrates of 7.54% while banana had the lowest crude fiber content of 0.51%. For the antioxidant properties, tamarind had the highest TFC of 0.007 mg quercetin / L, TPC of 0.223 mg gallic acid / L, and Vitamin C of 1024.41 mg/100cm³ while papaya had the highest Beta-carotene content of 286μg/100g. The selected fruits exerted remarkable antioxidant properties. Pomelowith 94.4% hadthe strongest antioxidant activity followed by chico with 91.96%, then banana with 90.84%, papaya with 88.72% and lastly by tamarind with only 70.69%. Based on the statistical treatment of results, there were significant differences in the antioxidant properties and antioxidant activity of selected fruits in Batangas.

Keywords – antioxidant activity, antioxidant properties, proximate analysis